Bypass work commenced without permission from landowners, compensation settlement: Residents

OVER 100 residents of Melachokkanathapuram and Meenakshipuram complain that the state highways department officials have started the construction of a bypass road between Anaikaraipatti Vilakku and Dharmathupatti in Bodinayakanur without seeking their permission or settling the compensation for the lands they parted with the project.

- JEYALAKSHMI RAMANUJAM @Theni

Officials for the state highways department (project wing) proposed the construction of a bypass road between Anaikaraipatti Vilakku and Dharmathupatti at a cost of ₹36 crore, and for this project, they summoned nearly 120 landowners for land acquisition in Bodinayakanur, Melachokkanathapuram, and Meenakshipuram. However, the land acquisition for this is not complete, and over 100 landowners are yet to receive compensation, sources said. Meanwhile, the department commenced its work on February 17 by doing a bhoomi puja. TNIE also had carried a report on the allegations on March 1.